Statements released on school and government websites justify the ban by saying it would “protect students' wellbeing and prevent the use of schools and government offices to promote religion,” according to the Associated Press.

Here's more from the AP on why the government and the Muslim minority can’t seem to get along:

Violence has escalated in recent years in Xinjiang. The ruling party blames rebels who it says wants independence, while members of the region's Uyghur ethnic group complain that discrimination and restrictions on religion, such as a ban on taking children to mosques, fuels anger at the ethnic Han Chinese majority.

Most members of the Uighur community are Muslim. The Chinese government is also concerned that religious groups and their activities might spur opposition to the country’s one-party rule.

Irene Chidinma Nwoye is a writer and former Slate intern in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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